Awards and accolades abounded when faculty, staff and students at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) gathered April 23 for the Celebration of Leaders student awards ceremony at the West Plains Civic Center.
The annual event recognizes students for a variety of academic and leadership achievements and serves as the installation service for the new Student Government Association (SGA) president and vice president for the upcoming academic year.
Sworn in during the SGA transfer of power ceremony were 2026-2027 SGA President Michell Robles, West Plains, and Vice President Morgan Beukers, Moody, MO. The officers were sworn in by 2025-2026 SGA President Max Bittle, Houston.
List of award winners
Several awards were handed out during the event. They include:
- Campus Service Award – Coy Crites, West Plains
- Global Community Impact Award – Gisella Hendricks, Alton
- Outstanding Corps of Opportunity Award – Kaylynn Sites, Salem; McKinley Satterfield, Licking
- First Generation Award – Marissa Ayers, Gatewood
- Faculty Mentor Award – Jerry Trick, associate professor
- Staff Appreciation Award – Wayne Cahoj, Drago College Store Manager
- Outstanding Student Employee of the Year Award – Sam Stockle, Thayer
- Outstanding Student Ambassador Award – Raigan Denton, West Plains; Aubrey Hull, Bloomfield
- Community Service Award – Kaydyn Bond, Doniphan, MO.
- Outstanding Resident of the Year Award – Elden Vierzba, St. Charles
- Resident Assistant of the Year Award – Max Bittle, Houston
- Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year Award – Victoria Antia, Candelaria-Valle, Colombia
- Outstanding Academic Achievement and Leadership Award – Paden Cole, Lees Summit
- Outstanding Student Leader Award – Gisella Hendricks, Alton
Photos of all the winners can be found in the 2026 Celebration of Leaders photo album on the MSU-WP Facebook page, Facebook.com/MissouriStateWP.